Dating back to more than a decade ago, “Tokae” is a lantern festival that takes place every August in Nara. During this period, tens of thousand of candles are lit in the Nara Park, gardens, temples and shrines. Easily accessible on foot from the JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara stations, Tokae boosts beautiful illuminations, great food and a heartwarming atmosphere. This is an event not to be missed!
- 1 min read
Nara Tokae
A light festival that delights!

By Karen Zheng
Community writer

Nara Tokae near Ukimido Pavillion

Preparing for the lights festival

Nara Tokae - Festival lights up

Nara Tokae

Candles light up at Nara Tokae

A lady in traditional Japanese summer costume (Yukata).

Food stalls selling many delicious food

Food stalls selling many delicious food

Nara Tokae

Ukimido Pavillion

A boy looks on at the illuminated deer figure next to the shrine.
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